Eat, drink and be merry at the UHAA Block Party at Murphy's Bar & Grill, cheer for the Warriors at Aloha Stadium

HONOLULU - The University of Hawai'i Alumni Association (UHAA) brings the excitement of homecoming to alumni and friends of UH on Friday, October 27, with a free block party at Murphy's Bar and Grill in downtown Honolulu, followed on Saturday, October 28, by a Warriors football game against Western Athletic Conference rival University of Idaho at Aloha Stadium.

"Homecoming is a time to celebrate our UH bond with good friends, good food and good times," said Kevin Takamori, UHAA executive director. "With UH's 100-year anniversary in 2007 quickly approaching, we want this event to inaugurate an annual homecoming tradition that will express the tremendous pride people have in the university. Murphy's Bar & Grill is the perfect place for this kick off."

"Alumni are one of our greatest resources and strongest advocates for the university. There are more than 200,000 living graduates of our 10 campus system, and 140,000 alumni reside in Hawai'i. We deeply appreciate their support and dedicate homecoming week to them."

The UHAA Homecoming Block Party at Murphy's is open to the entire community and will feature live music by the Sam Kapu Trio, Lalea, Imua and others, with special appearances by Warrior football coaches. The party begins at 6 p.m. and will last until 10 p.m.; all food and beverage sales at Murphy's that night will benefit UHAA. The celebration will extend between Nu'uanu Avenue and Bethel Street; this area will be closed to traffic during the party.

The next day the UH Warriors take on the Idaho Vandals, sponsored by the UH Alumni Association and ESPN 1420 AM. Kick off is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. at Aloha Stadium, with a special pre-game ceremony honoring the university's "Golden Scholars" - UH alumni who graduated in 1956. In addition, a special alumni presentation will take place during halftime.

Fans can get a sneak peek at the football team's strategy and ask head coach June Jones questions at the "Call the Coach with June Jones" radio show, broadcast live on ESPN 1420 AM from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Willows Restaurant, with an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner for just $15. Fans should call (808) 952-9200 for reservations.

Members of the UH Alumni Association will receive two homecoming football tickets for the price of one (maximum of eight total). Association members should present their membership cards when purchasing tickets in advance at the Stan Sheriff Center Box Office (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) or at the Aloha Stadium Box Office in advance or on game day. Advance purchases are encouraged. Tickets are in special sections. Other restrictions may apply.

About the University of Hawai'i Alumni AssociationUHAA is the official alumni association of the University of Hawai'i System representing graduates from all 10 campuses and supporting outreach to over 30 regional, special interest and college chapters from these campuses. UHAA sponsors special events and programs for its membership and current UH students, and promotes opportunities for networking, professional development, and lifelong learning.